Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Somalia's Displaced People Face Famine Risk Amid Aid Shortfalls
A food-security group warned that many displaced people in Somalia could go hungry.
The greatest concern is in Baidoa, a city where many people have fled conflict and hunger.
About 26,000 displaced residents there could face starvation between October and December.
This could become worse if El Niño brings more flooding than expected.
Somalia already has more than 5 million people facing serious food shortages.
The number could rise to 5.4 million later in the year.
Aid groups are expected to provide food to only a small share of the people who need it.
Many young children may also need treatment for dangerous malnutrition.
An IPC report warned that about 26,000 displaced people in Baidoa could face starvation and livelihood collapse from October through December.
The risk could worsen if El Niño causes heavier-than-expected flooding and humanitarian assistance remains inadequate.
More than 5 million Somalis are already experiencing crisis-level food insecurity or worse, with the figure forecast to reach 5.4 million.
Food aid is expected to reach only 70,400 people per month during the October-to-December period, or 1.3% of those in need.
An estimated 1.92 million children aged six months to five years will need acute-malnutrition treatment by next June, including 433,000 severe cases.
- Who
- Displaced people in southwest Somalia, especially residents of Baidoa, are at risk; millions of Somalis are already food insecure.
- What
- The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned that thousands could face famine, starvation, and livelihood collapse.
- When
- The highest risk is forecast for October through December; child malnutrition treatment needs are projected through next June.
- Where
- Baidoa and other areas of southwest Somalia.
- Why
- Repeated droughts, conflict, insufficient aid, and potentially severe El Niño-related flooding are driving the risk.
- People at potential famine risk
- About 26,000 displaced people in Baidoa, or 5% of the displaced population there
- Current food insecurity
- More than 5 million Somalis, or 26% of the analysed population
- Forecast food insecurity
- 5.4 million people from October through December
- Expected monthly food aid
- 70,400 people, equal to 1.3% of those in need
- Children needing malnutrition treatment
- An estimated 1.92 million children aged six months to five years by next June
- Severe malnutrition cases
- An estimated 433,000 children
- Previous famine
- Somalia last experienced famine in 2011, when around 250,000 people died